Why Blaming the NCC Despite Satellite, Sim, NIN for not tracing Kidnapping is Wrong
Recent discussions highlight the ongoing frustration over the inability to effectively track kidnappers despite significant technological investments, including satellite systems, SIM card registrations, and the National Identity Number (NIN) system.
Henry Okunomo, Senate President of the Nigerian Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has voiced his concerns about the efficiency of these technologies in curbing kidnapping activities. Okunomo expressed his dissatisfaction with the security agencies’ response to these crimes, questioning why, with advanced technological tools, kidnappers are still able to evade capture. He remarked, “I am not convinced that the current security measures are adequate. The government must find a better solution, given the advanced technologies at our disposal.”
These technologies include the SIM card registration initiative by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in 2011, the introduction of NIN enrollment by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in 2015, the NIN-SIM registration exercise conducted in 2020, and the NigComSat-1R communications satellite launched in 2012. These measures were intended to enhance national security, facilitate secure transactions, and improve governance by providing accurate data for policymaking.
Despite these efforts, there are reports suggesting that kidnappers continue to operate with relative impunity. In Zamfara State, a kidnapping victim, Mallam Yushau Jangeme, criticized the local security forces for failing to trace the calls from his abductors, even after he provided their phone numbers. He recounted how, despite delivering a ransom, the kidnappers demanded more money, demonstrating the ineffectiveness of current tracking methods.
Public affairs commentator Mr. Chike Ogbu also expressed frustration, questioning the efficacy of SIM and identity registrations when criminals can still make ransom calls without being apprehended. He asked, “With all these registration and tracking systems in place, why are criminals not being caught? Are these agencies failing, or is there a deeper issue at play?”
The NCC has defended its actions, stating that the purpose of the NIN-SIM linkage was to address security risks associated with multiple unregistered SIM cards. They noted instances where individuals held thousands of lines, which were eventually blocked. An anonymous NCC official stated, “We have taken steps to clean up the SIM ownership database, but tracking and arresting criminals is not within our mandate. Our role is to support security agencies with data, not to conduct arrests.”
Similarly, a representative from NigComSat Ltd clarified that while the satellite provides valuable data, it does not capture images or videos of crime scenes. Instead, it offers digital footprints that security agencies can use. “The satellite’s role is to collect and provide data, not to monitor crimes directly,” the engineer explained.
Overall, the persistent challenges in addressing kidnapping despite advanced technologies suggest a need for more effective integration of these tools within the security framework, along with a thorough review of the current systems and processes.
